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2022 Education Mega Conference
Location: George R. Brown Convention Center
Houston, Texas
Our Featured Speakers

Ron Clark
Keynote Speaker

Dr. Ingrid Haynes
Founder of The National Literacy Institute
Literacy Expert, Author and International Speaker
Literacy Expert, Author and International Speaker

Dr. Francisco Usero-González
Co-founder | Educational Services & Consulting
Center for Innovation in Global, Cultural & Learning Experience LL
Catching Up Your ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS Who Have Fallen Behind- Francisco Usero-González, Ph.D.
Description: Are you looking for the best ways to provide targeted, engaging EL instruction in the face of a growing gap in your ELs’ academic achievement? Are you searching for ways to help catch up English Learners who have fallen behind? If so, you won’t want to miss this session. The focus of this presentation is on the most effective, cutting-edge instructional strategies specifically for helping catch up English Learners who have fallen behind. Learn how to provide the instructional supports necessary to meet each of your ELs right where they are and to accelerate their progress. Discover an array of strategies for targeting your instruction to meet the varied needs of your ELs who have fallen behind.
Center for Innovation in Global, Cultural & Learning Experience LL
Catching Up Your ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS Who Have Fallen Behind- Francisco Usero-González, Ph.D.
Description: Are you looking for the best ways to provide targeted, engaging EL instruction in the face of a growing gap in your ELs’ academic achievement? Are you searching for ways to help catch up English Learners who have fallen behind? If so, you won’t want to miss this session. The focus of this presentation is on the most effective, cutting-edge instructional strategies specifically for helping catch up English Learners who have fallen behind. Learn how to provide the instructional supports necessary to meet each of your ELs right where they are and to accelerate their progress. Discover an array of strategies for targeting your instruction to meet the varied needs of your ELs who have fallen behind.

Dr. Delilah Gonzales
Founder of Emergent Literacy Foundation
Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Promoting Good Writer: Scaffolding Emerging Writing Skills Through Guided, Shared, Interactive and Independent Writing Activities- Dr. Delilah Gonzales
Description: In this session I will present a simple framework that teachers can use to quickly assess children's writing and assist them in taking the next step in their growth. We will discuss why early writing abilities are crucial, how writing develops in young children, and how teachers can actively encourage this development. Hands on strategies will be introduced for guided, interactive, shared, independent writing.
Three (3) clearly defined learning objectives
• The participants will identify the rational for promoting writing in the early childhood classroom.
• The participants will identify the four approaches to writing with young writers: guided, shared, interactive and independent.
• The participants will identify developmentally appropriate practice strategies for implementing the four approached to writing.
Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Promoting Good Writer: Scaffolding Emerging Writing Skills Through Guided, Shared, Interactive and Independent Writing Activities- Dr. Delilah Gonzales
Description: In this session I will present a simple framework that teachers can use to quickly assess children's writing and assist them in taking the next step in their growth. We will discuss why early writing abilities are crucial, how writing develops in young children, and how teachers can actively encourage this development. Hands on strategies will be introduced for guided, interactive, shared, independent writing.
Three (3) clearly defined learning objectives
• The participants will identify the rational for promoting writing in the early childhood classroom.
• The participants will identify the four approaches to writing with young writers: guided, shared, interactive and independent.
• The participants will identify developmentally appropriate practice strategies for implementing the four approached to writing.

Stephanie Hodgins, MEd
Educator and Trainer
Title: The Link Between Thoughts & Actions and How This Can Build Better Writers
Description: Words have power. As reading and writing teachers, we know this, but did you know that your thoughts have power, too? In this session, you will discover the research behind the power of positive thinking and the impact of teacher efficacy on student learning. You will leave this session empowered with the knowledge and skills necessary to be a force of nature in the classroom, and even more importantly, you will learn how to foster your students’ belief in themselves and their abilities. As an added bonus, I will weave low prep writing strategies into the presentation that participants can take and use with their students.
Title: The Link Between Thoughts & Actions and How This Can Build Better Writers
Description: Words have power. As reading and writing teachers, we know this, but did you know that your thoughts have power, too? In this session, you will discover the research behind the power of positive thinking and the impact of teacher efficacy on student learning. You will leave this session empowered with the knowledge and skills necessary to be a force of nature in the classroom, and even more importantly, you will learn how to foster your students’ belief in themselves and their abilities. As an added bonus, I will weave low prep writing strategies into the presentation that participants can take and use with their students.

Dr. Hope Luster
Speaker, Author and Trainer
Specializing in Classroom Management and Family Engagement
Title: Families Matter: Effective Strategies to Promote and Encourage Family Partnerships with Schools- Dr. Hope Luster-Calhoun
Description: Families Matter focuses on the importance of schools and staff understanding the targeted population they serve. The workshop will provide critical strategies when training teachers and staff to work with diverse families. The participants will identify the needs and learn best practices when supporting the families that they serve.
Specializing in Classroom Management and Family Engagement
Title: Families Matter: Effective Strategies to Promote and Encourage Family Partnerships with Schools- Dr. Hope Luster-Calhoun
Description: Families Matter focuses on the importance of schools and staff understanding the targeted population they serve. The workshop will provide critical strategies when training teachers and staff to work with diverse families. The participants will identify the needs and learn best practices when supporting the families that they serve.

Dr. Kenneth Davis
Speaker, Author and Trainer
Title: Leadership Paradigms…Relational Leadership that Moves Mountains: Growing, Supporting, and Challenging Leaders to improve leadership teams, that will improve instructional implementation of teachers and increase positive outcomes for students.
Location: 351 A-D
Title: Leadership Paradigms…Relational Leadership that Moves Mountains: Growing, Supporting, and Challenging Leaders to improve leadership teams, that will improve instructional implementation of teachers and increase positive outcomes for students.
Location: 351 A-D

Dr. Kristie Cerling
Title: Small Moments, Big Impact – Dr. Kristie Cerling
Description: We all want our students to learn, but we focus so much on our teaching. This presentation shifts the focus from teaching to learning. Practical strategies, activities, and tips will be shared that can easily be implemented in any classroom.
Description: We all want our students to learn, but we focus so much on our teaching. This presentation shifts the focus from teaching to learning. Practical strategies, activities, and tips will be shared that can easily be implemented in any classroom.

Dr. Summer Pannell
Speaker, Author and Trainer

Dr. Katie Alaniz
Title: Lights, Camera, Action! Igniting Innovation through Collaborative Digital Storytelling- Dr. Katie Alaniz
Location: 361 E
Description: The art of digital storytelling holds tremendous potential to capture the imagination of today's learners, regardless of age or preferred learning style. In the session, we will explore proven methods for collaborative digital story design, demonstrating strategies for inspiring even reluctant writers to create meaningful and
Location: 361 E
Description: The art of digital storytelling holds tremendous potential to capture the imagination of today's learners, regardless of age or preferred learning style. In the session, we will explore proven methods for collaborative digital story design, demonstrating strategies for inspiring even reluctant writers to create meaningful and

Shareca Vallaire
Title: Ignite your Power, Maximininaze your IMPACT- Shareca Vallaire, LLC
Location: 361 C
Description- Innovative Solutions and Strategies to Empower Families, Increase Parent Engagement, and Celebrate Teachers as they use their "POWER X IMPACT" to ensure all children have a bright present and future.
Location: 361 C
Description- Innovative Solutions and Strategies to Empower Families, Increase Parent Engagement, and Celebrate Teachers as they use their "POWER X IMPACT" to ensure all children have a bright present and future.

Dr. Danielle Corbie-Archey
Title: Building Equity in the Classroom through Language and Dr. Culture-Danielle Corbie-Archey (Repeat)
Description: Many school districts have moved back to brick-and-mortar instruction after navigating a virtual year with little planning time and limited resources. There is no doubt the global pandemic has created lasting trauma in children and adults alike. Educators must be equipped with pedagogical strategies that support social emotional intelligence and develop resiliency in students with special needs. This interactive workshop will provide educators with trauma informed; research based instructional practices that will help students succeed. The learning outcomes for this interactive workshop include understanding types of trauma and how they impact students, families, staff, and communities; learn the indicators of trauma informed schools and resilient classrooms; and finally, identify practical strategies that educators can implement to advanced trauma informed special education care and services.
Description: Many school districts have moved back to brick-and-mortar instruction after navigating a virtual year with little planning time and limited resources. There is no doubt the global pandemic has created lasting trauma in children and adults alike. Educators must be equipped with pedagogical strategies that support social emotional intelligence and develop resiliency in students with special needs. This interactive workshop will provide educators with trauma informed; research based instructional practices that will help students succeed. The learning outcomes for this interactive workshop include understanding types of trauma and how they impact students, families, staff, and communities; learn the indicators of trauma informed schools and resilient classrooms; and finally, identify practical strategies that educators can implement to advanced trauma informed special education care and services.

Dr. Queinnise Miller
Title: The Art of Giving a $#IT: Memoir and Guidebook for Urban Educators- Dr. Queinnise Miller
Description: The presentation is relevant to Heart: Social & Emotional Skills because we will discuss sustainable relationship building and the importance of the scholar and teacher relationship. The presentation will address key strategies that are effective with diverse learners and the larger impact they make in the life of the whole child.
Description: The presentation is relevant to Heart: Social & Emotional Skills because we will discuss sustainable relationship building and the importance of the scholar and teacher relationship. The presentation will address key strategies that are effective with diverse learners and the larger impact they make in the life of the whole child.

Dr. Marcie Strahan
Title: Filling Your Cup and Overcoming Burnout: Self-Care Strategies for Educators- Dr. Marcie Strahan
Description: Moving from surviving to thriving as an educator involves the establishment of healthy habits and routines. Participants will walk away feeling empowered after exploring a variety of self-care techniques, developing a self-care plan, and building a community of support to increase retention rates and avoid staff burnout.
Description: Moving from surviving to thriving as an educator involves the establishment of healthy habits and routines. Participants will walk away feeling empowered after exploring a variety of self-care techniques, developing a self-care plan, and building a community of support to increase retention rates and avoid staff burnout.

Dr. David Jackson
Educational Consultant
Dr. David A. Jackson is a retired principal who served 26 years in the Houston Independent School District. He earned a Bachelor’s degree from Morehouse College, a Master’s degree in Administration and Supervision from the University of Houston, and a Doctorate in Education from the Cooperative Superintendency Program at The University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Jackson is currently the board president of the Emerging Learners Literacy Foundation. He is also active with The Harvest United Methodist Church and Scouts BSA.
Dr. David A. Jackson is a retired principal who served 26 years in the Houston Independent School District. He earned a Bachelor’s degree from Morehouse College, a Master’s degree in Administration and Supervision from the University of Houston, and a Doctorate in Education from the Cooperative Superintendency Program at The University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Jackson is currently the board president of the Emerging Learners Literacy Foundation. He is also active with The Harvest United Methodist Church and Scouts BSA.

Dr. Kelsey Young
Title: Accessible to all: High Dosage Literacy Tutoring in a Virtual Environment- Dr. Kelsey Young, Director of Academic Research and Tony Skauge, Senior Director of Solutions Consulting
Description: This session will entail a deep dive into how to utilize high dosage tutoring to implement effective literacy instruction and drive student achievement. We will highlight the impacts of high dosage tutoring, how to integrate literacy best practices into effective daily, virtual instruction, and proven implementation models. We hope attendees walk away with the know how to: utilize virtual high dosage tutoring to drive literacy gains... implementation model...
Description: This session will entail a deep dive into how to utilize high dosage tutoring to implement effective literacy instruction and drive student achievement. We will highlight the impacts of high dosage tutoring, how to integrate literacy best practices into effective daily, virtual instruction, and proven implementation models. We hope attendees walk away with the know how to: utilize virtual high dosage tutoring to drive literacy gains... implementation model...

Zandra Webb
Title: The Road to Equity: The Five C's to Construct an Equitable Classroom -Zandra Webb
Description: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) does not have to be a scary conversation when it comes to education. It does need to be intentional, guided, and inspirational. Join us as we embark on explore The Road to Equity® : The Five C's to Construct an Equitable Classroom, Campus, or Community to set all stakeholders up for success.
Description: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) does not have to be a scary conversation when it comes to education. It does need to be intentional, guided, and inspirational. Join us as we embark on explore The Road to Equity® : The Five C's to Construct an Equitable Classroom, Campus, or Community to set all stakeholders up for success.

Nina Roberts
Title: Teacher Tools to Overcome the Cultural Mismatch in Education and Enhance the Literacy Development of All Students- Nina Roberts, M.Ed
Location: 350 F
Description: The presentation is designed to provide strategies for teachers and administrators to help create better avenues of communication with minority students that foster acceptance, inclusion, and appreciation across cultures to provide all students a more equitable education.
Location: 350 F
Description: The presentation is designed to provide strategies for teachers and administrators to help create better avenues of communication with minority students that foster acceptance, inclusion, and appreciation across cultures to provide all students a more equitable education.

Nyla Gibson
Title: Writing Wonders: Creating effective written expression in a modern classroom- Nyla Gibson
Description: In this session, we will discuss strategies for enhancing student writing skills. We will delve into the importance of the writing process, fundamental writing skills, and a supportive classroom environment. The goal is to create a classroom where students can confidently express themselves in written format.
Description: In this session, we will discuss strategies for enhancing student writing skills. We will delve into the importance of the writing process, fundamental writing skills, and a supportive classroom environment. The goal is to create a classroom where students can confidently express themselves in written format.

Brooke Webster
Title: Teaching Phonics in the Urban Classroom: How to Capture and Retain Students’ Attention and Engagement- Brooke Webster
Description: We will be experiencing hands-on ways to retain engagement and learn at the same time
Description: We will be experiencing hands-on ways to retain engagement and learn at the same time

Bethany Ivie
Title: Filling Our Cup: Using Maslow's to Erase Effort-Reward Imbalances Among School Staff- Bethany Ivie
Description: Come to learn the science behind low educator motivation and job satisfaction. Leave empowered with simple and impactful strategies and social emotional resources to start reversing this phenomenon in your organization.
Description: Come to learn the science behind low educator motivation and job satisfaction. Leave empowered with simple and impactful strategies and social emotional resources to start reversing this phenomenon in your organization.

Chae D Ray
Title: Launching Discourse in the Secondary ELA Classroom- Chae D'Ann Ray, M.Ed., NBCT
Description: Let's get talking! Better yet, let's get students talking through structured conversations, engagement strategies, and clear scaffolds! This session will immerse you in the power of academic discourse rooted in complex text, guide you through research-based techniques to increase discussion, and leave you feeling empowered to embed authentic, academic discourse in your classroom or school!
Description: Let's get talking! Better yet, let's get students talking through structured conversations, engagement strategies, and clear scaffolds! This session will immerse you in the power of academic discourse rooted in complex text, guide you through research-based techniques to increase discussion, and leave you feeling empowered to embed authentic, academic discourse in your classroom or school!

Chantay Crawford
Title: Learning to Intervene: An In-Depth Look at Interventions- Kanesha Morman, M. Ed & Chantay Crawford, M. Ed.
Description: This session takes an in-depth look into intervention and how to help struggling readers. This session tackles reading comprehension, phonemic awareness, and Response to Intervention (RTI). There will be a discussion on dyslexia and collaborating with interventionists.
Description: This session takes an in-depth look into intervention and how to help struggling readers. This session tackles reading comprehension, phonemic awareness, and Response to Intervention (RTI). There will be a discussion on dyslexia and collaborating with interventionists.

Tony Skauge
Accessible to all: High Dosage Literacy Tutoring in a Virtual Environment- Kelsey Young, Director of Academic Research and Tony Skauge, Senior Director of Solutions Consulting
Description: This session will entail a deep dive into how to utilize high dosage tutoring to implement effective literacy instruction and drive student achievement. We will highlight the impacts of high dosage tutoring, how to integrate literacy best practices into effective daily, virtual instruction, and proven implementation models. We hope attendees walk away with the know how to: utilize virtual high dosage tutoring to drive literacy gains... implementation model...
Description: This session will entail a deep dive into how to utilize high dosage tutoring to implement effective literacy instruction and drive student achievement. We will highlight the impacts of high dosage tutoring, how to integrate literacy best practices into effective daily, virtual instruction, and proven implementation models. We hope attendees walk away with the know how to: utilize virtual high dosage tutoring to drive literacy gains... implementation model...

Jamila Benoit
Develop A Growth Mindset in Mathematics to Increase Students' Perseverance, Engagement and Success- Jamila Benoit
Description: Are you frustrated with the motivation and mindset of your students? How many times do you ask your students to answer math questions, persevere with problem solving, engage in mathematical discussions, and engage in mathematics, only to have the same few students raise their hands? Do you ever have the frustrating experience where you reach the end of a math unit only to find that your students’ understanding is still back where you started, at the beginning of the unit?
In this energizing and dynamic session, the presenter will share the most effective and engaging strategies for building a Growth Mindset in math. You will learn in very practical terms how to transform mindsets in mathematics so students are excited to learn and willing to risk making mistakes.
Description: Are you frustrated with the motivation and mindset of your students? How many times do you ask your students to answer math questions, persevere with problem solving, engage in mathematical discussions, and engage in mathematics, only to have the same few students raise their hands? Do you ever have the frustrating experience where you reach the end of a math unit only to find that your students’ understanding is still back where you started, at the beginning of the unit?
In this energizing and dynamic session, the presenter will share the most effective and engaging strategies for building a Growth Mindset in math. You will learn in very practical terms how to transform mindsets in mathematics so students are excited to learn and willing to risk making mistakes.
Click the link above for full conference booklet.
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